Franck Kessie’s agent has quashed rumours of a potential move to Premier League duo Fulham or Aston Villa while telling Calciomercato that the former AC Milan star has no plans to leave La Liga giants Barcelona.
Since moving to Spain on a free transfer over the summer, Kessie has started just three La Liga matches. And only twice in the Champions League.
But, as the Ivorian’s representative is at pains to point out, none of this has come as a surprise to Kessie. With Gavi, Pedri and Sergio Busquets already in situ at the Camp Nou, and with Frenkie de Jong sticking around, the one-time Atalanta youngster always knew that he’d have a battle on his hands to secure a first-team spot under Xavi Hernandez.
And this is not a battle Kessie has any intention of walking away from.
Franck Kessie tipped to leave Barcelona for Aston Villa or Fulham
“Franck has never been as happy as he is now,” explains George Atangana. He has achieved a goal that, for many players, remains only a dream, which is to play for Barcelona. And I challenge anyone to say otherwise.
“(His lack of game-time is) nothing we hadn’t already anticipated. It is clear that, over time, he expects to play more. But we have (just) arrived in Spain and here the philosophy is different. Franck is adapting to a new type of football.
“This is certainly not what scares him. On the contrary, these (challenges) are all stimuli, part of a growth process. It’s only a matter of time (before he becomes a key player for Barca).
“Everyone at Barcelona is very happy with the player. And I want to clarify once and for all that a departure from Barcelona is not planned today.”
Kessie, who earns £105,000-a-week in Catalonia, was linked with a potential £20 million move to Fulham or Aston Villa recently, via Sport.
With Pau Torres, Nicolas Jackson and Mikel Merino also reportedly on Villa’s radar, the arrival of Unai Emery as head coach could coincide with some high-profile additions from Spain’s top-flight.
But, whatever happens, Kessie won’t be among them.
“(The new signings) are adapting very well to the team. Physically, Kessie is a very strong player,” says Xavi, highlighting the different sort of presence the 25-year-old brings. He is the dynamo in a dainty midfield.
“(Kessie) can get to the back line and cross. It is important (for him and other newcomers) that they start to get to know our idea of the game.”
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